How To Help BIRDS In YOUR GARDEN This SPRING

In this video we look at the 5 best way to help birds in your garden this spring.
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Many thanks,
Joel Ashton
#Garden #WildlifeGarden #GardenBirds #ReWildYourGarden #Birds #BirdBox #BirdFeeders #Wild #Nature #NatureInMyGarden #WildlifeGardening #Gardening #GardeningForBirds #joelAshton #Wildlife #WildYourGarden #WYG

[@gregf9160]

Personally, Joel, I could listen to you talk for hours -- all day, in fact. Make them as long as is needed for the subject 👍😀

[@jamieaubre8215]

Agreed. Some 4 hour podcasts could be in order?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Wow, thanks so much Greg - I really appreciate that, it's so difficult to know what will keep people's interest but I try to give each video the time it needs and of course they don't disappear if you only watch half and then come back for the other half etc :) Best wishes, and thanks so much for the support, it's appreciated - Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Jamie - I am hoping to start doing the live videos so people can interact again too. I've got enough footage for about 400 hours at least... but I promise to space them out! ;) Best wishes, Joel

[@brownfamily3218]

Hi Joel. I have had the swift box moved from the side of the house to the front. It had been up three years with no luck. I've also got another one put up as well. I'll send you a photo of what we found in the box. I think it had something to do with the house sparrow that sits on the corner of the roof singing his little heart out. Not sure he's had any luck. We don't get sparrows in our garden generally. I enjoy all your videos no matter what size they are 😊

[@ammorales1524]

I agree! Taking care of wildlife in my garden is such an enjoyable pastime. But the hardest thing to bear is seeing smaller birds, even mourning doves get trapped in the claws of hawks esp the cooper’s hawk. However, our priority is to help these song birds thrive in the face of food scarcity so we continue to provide them food year round. The suet is a real attraction to many birds including chipmunks and squirrels.

[@FionaDonaldson-tw7hy]

I have 22 different birds visiting my garden. I took your previous advice about creating cover for them in the form of tree cuttings which I build up at the very back next to my hedge. The birds just love it.

[@MarkMichalowski]

That sounds good. I'm about to do some very late pruning of an apple and a pear tree, and that would put the cuttings to good use! Cheers Fiona!

[@pauldurkee4764]

Hello Joel, On the subject of video length, I would say 30 mins for most subjects, but in the case for the bigger projects such as your garden creations I don't mind 60 mins. For nesting material I go over my mums mossy lawn with a spring tined rake and leave the birds to it, but I also use a fat feeder with wool from rare breed sheep that I purchase. I've spotted our first nest of the year, a robin who has taken over an open fronted nestbox made from woodcrete.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Paul, so much. I have been filming the front garden as well as the back, and hope to bring a first episode on the creation of the new front garden. I am hoping to make it a "showcase" for the neighbours and people that pass by, to show that formal can still be wildlife friendly and hopefully encourage others to do the same :) The woodcrete boxes are excellent and that's fantastic news re the Robin. I've got two blue-tits in and out of one of the boxes in the garden, have noticed two great tits lurking about and am hoping they don't evict the blue-tits like they did last year. There's sufficient boxes for all ;) Thank you again, and best wishes - Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

Brilliant information as usual joel thanks so much for sharing 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - you've always been there, and I won't forget the support you've given me. Best wishes, Joel

[@ollvebranch]

As one of the bird nest material, I use lint from my dryer.

[@pateicialane4740]

Aw bless that doggie he is a beauty for sure he’s loved probably very spoilt too ha ha ! Just found your Chanel I want to encourage blackbirds and rooks but pigeons scare them!

[@finnerzUK]

I think 20-30 minutes is a great video length. I have found all the videos of yours I’ve watched very informative and inspirational. I think a live stream would be pretty cool.

[@MarkMichalowski]

Yep, I agree, Finnerz: anything over 30 mins or so is a deliberate "sit-down and watch" (which is sometimes what I want); shorter ones feel like a "quick break", more easily slotted into anything else I'm up to.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you @Finnerz - I think the one scheduled for upload tonight is around 30 minutes, so phew! ;) Thank you so much for letting me know and being part of this great community. I did do a few livestreams on Sundays when the channel first started, but I didn't want to promise anymore if I was working away etc. But I do plan to do more when the nights start drawing in again and we're all planning over again what to do the following year :) Thanks so much for your support, it's appreciated - Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@Mark Michalowski - thank you, this makes sense and I think this is the best way to go, thankfully with youtube any videos can always be returned to if they're too long for one sitting. Best wishes, and thank you again - Joel

[@zoedodge4137]

Live stream camping! 🙏

[@zoedodge4137]

I mean.... hedgerows

[@Frostie3672]

There's another step I take to help birds in my garden & that's keeping it a cat free zone, it's horrific how many birds are killed by cats every year, after seeing 5 different cats last year trying to catch the birds I'd had enough & took steps to keep them out, the fact I'm home a lot & with all the ring cameras I have out in the garden to watch the visiting hedgehogs all help in my battle to keep cats away.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I empathise. My neighbours' cats know better than to come into the garden with the dogs about - prickle strips on the fence panels help and the fact that the neighbour's garden is barren of wildlife means that the birds hardly go there and head straight for mine. Best of luck with it - Joel

[@jenenamaughan1992]

I agree, I live in Australia & cats are a huge problem here as they have gone feral & if you catch one in a trap they are one savage beast! They have contributed to the extinction of some of our native animals who have no natural defense against them.

[@markhunter9387]

Hi Joel, love the information we get from these videos. There’s always something new to learn, putting nesting material into a bird feeder I wouldn’t have thought of that in a million years. 30 to 45 minutes would probably be a good length for the videos with some feature length specials and interviews 🐝

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Mark, I really appreciate this - it's so difficult to know what people prefer, but I think too that as long as the subject justifies it I'll keep doing as you suggest. The difficulty for me is that I'm usually out and about, travelling to and from, or working at a client's and I have no script prepared but can't resist taking the opportunity to share things. I know I can make improvements and I hope that the filming I do of both the front and back gardens will allow me to feature everything so that other people can take a few ideas, or all of them (!) and implement them in their own gardens/green spaces. It will be so much easier to do updates when I'm home in the garden too :) Best wishes, and thanks again for all your support - Joel

[@MoustermindTCG]

Great video as always Joel! One thing I would add in regards to putting out pet hair - please only do this if your pet hasn't been prophylactically treated with flea treatment. This is an incredibly effective pesticide that has been proven to affect chicks as the chemicals can and will permeate through the eggshell into the fetal birds 😔

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely yes, apologies for not mentioning this but NONE of my dogs have ever been treated with "conventional" (money-making) flea treatment. In the summer we feed cooked garlic in the food once a week, it seems to do the trick as none of them so far have suffered from fleas, this is alleged to also help prevent against ticks lurking about in long grass :) Thank you for pointing it out, it's VERY important - best wishes, Joel

[@fiona12451]

Thank you for pointing this out I also don't use chemical flea treatments on my dog..too many side effects

[@Rattyman577]

Problem for us is that with a wildlife pond and a timber constructed sunken seating area every time we put out feeders we have an issue with rats therefore we have had to stop feeding birds unfortunately

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Sorry to hear that. Any waste food will certainly be taken by opportunists such as rats. If you ensure that the mix is waste-free then this should help, but if the rats enjoy the pond we all know how good they are at scaling. You can still help by providing enough habitat to encourage insects, caterpillars etc so that the parent birds have sufficient food containing moisture - no food we can put out, except live meal worms of course, can give the moisture that the young need. Best wishes, Joel

[@Rattyman577]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you for taking the time to reply. We will look into waste free feeding. Thanks again

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@Rattyman577 You're very welcome, if you're in the UK you can always reach us at [e-mail] if there's any info you need. Best wishes, Joel

[@AmirsAllotment]

Great video Joel. You mentioned sparrowhawk. I had an amazing experience this morning on my plot. I think it was a female sparrow hawk caught a wood pigeon in mid air a couple of metres away from me. It landed by my shed and the crows were going mad. As I was so close the crows didn’t bother her. I was keeping still she could see me but carried on eating the pigeon. Amazing!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Yep - sounds like a female to me Amir, they're larger (you prob know that!) and would have no problem taking a wood pigeon. I've seen crows chasing and bombarding a heron over the garden before and watched a male sparrow hawk devour one of my garden blackbirds. It wasn't exactly nice to watch, but we have to remember that it's nature, and that must have been quite spectacular to see. Hope you had a fab weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@shannonniemeyer3931]

Just discovered your channel! Love it. I do all of your suggestions 😉. We are here in Southern California. Lots of sparrows and lots of starlings, among other birds. Thank you! ❤

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I love that you are not averse to sparrows and starlings, I hear they're in greater numbers in the USA - ours are all but depleted, due to habitat loss, lack of insects, lack of nesting sites etc. So glad that you're enjoying the channel, welcome to our great little community here, that's growing by the day :) Best wishes, and thank you again - Joel

[@mangot589]

I have a decent size (for suburbia) yard. I already have a LOT of trees. My neighbors aren’t so bonkers about it, I suspect, but I always say cool, trim whatever is on your side or bugging you) but I have several little bird families that have hatched. I have a few birdhouses, and to my surprise, they have used them. Just simple little ones, I live in California. I put them in a sheltered place. I was charmed. They were just decorative, fun little projects for the the grandkids. Now, I want to let my lawn grow wild in the back, I put down wildflowers on one side. We’ll see what happens. I already saw something, some birds came and hung out in the right (unmowed) side while I was sprinkling. Now, I’m hooked. I want my whole yard to be a meadow. I do have a little terrier 🙈. But he he’s elderly, and my cat is STRICTLY indoors. My dog is not not so old to be able to keep out OTHER cats, (and actually, our neighbors are really good about keeping their cats in, no wanderers) but we always make sure the coast is clear before he goes out. I have been doing the pet hair since last year. I have a bird bath, but I noticed when I was sprinkling today😅 that the birds (doves) went and laid in the unmanicured side in the longer grass it was so dang sweet. I’m hooked. I do feed them, but I don’t want to attract huge flocks, (or make them TOO dependent) so I put out just some, maybe a bit more during nesting time. I put suet cakes, same, but in winter too. Different birds, but sounds like I’m on the right track. Oh. And we DO have an absolutely beautiful blue falcon, and occasionally a hawk, but I do agree they need to eat too, they’ve been squeezed out of natural habitat. our trees give a lot of cover, but they have babies to feed too! It’s sad when they eat one of the doves. But it’s part of nature. A cat? I’d cry. And be pissed off. Horrible. Keep your fat well fed cats in. But a falcon? Sad, but…I absolutely enjoyed this! Thank you. It was exactly what I was looking for! New Subscriber here! And the length was fine. There’s a lot to tell people!♥️ oh, if you read this, I’d like to know a good way to keep the squirrels from getting into the nests and killing the babies/eating the eggs. I have no problem with squirrels, that’s part of it, but….I don’t want to make a smorgasbord for them either.

[@maryse6518]

Your videos in your own garden were my very favorites which brought me to your channel, I've watched them multiple times! I was pretty sad that there was no follow up videos after the june tour haha! I so very much love seeing the same space progressing over time, different times of the year. Especially when it's a city garden like my own. Great to hear you'll be back in your own garden and curious to see how the front garden will turn out!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Mary, so much :) I'm really glad you enjoyed the tours - there won't be too many changes and of course it looks a little barren at this time of year, but I am determined to have a bigger pond and a few other changes. I'll be documenting/filming it all, including the front garden which is progressing nicely - shouldn't be too long before I can upload the videos of the front garden, just want it to establish a little more so I can show the "before and after" to everyone, with everything I've done in between to ensure it looks it's best - I want it as a showcase for passers by and the neighbours, it will look formal but be VERY beneficial for a lot of wildlife - lots of ideas for everyone, even if only one aspect/idea is able to be incorporated in their own :) I really appreciate the kind words and support, they do make a difference. Best wishes - Joel

[@maryse6518]

​@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton It's all in the details... And it being a bit barren this time of year is both relatable and means the change every month will be noticeable and interesting! And about the front garden very understandable, we all love a good before and after :) Thanks for all the hard work keeping us entertained and best wishes

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@maryse6518 Thank you so much - I'll be sure to upload as soon as I can and will be showing a regular video of the garden, hoping to film it at least weekly or bi-weekly as things change and I have more info to share and advice for others :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Hunter-type]

Joel, I'm just wondering whereabouts you live? we are just about to move house to a rural place near Bath, and thinking maybe I should put up a good selection of Bird houses..... Loving your work man. thank you.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, I'm in Essex but it doesn't affect me working all over the country. We actually have specialist bird boxes, proven to work and to last a lifetime. If you wanted to drop me an email to [e-mail] with a few photos of the garden etc once you're settled I'm more than happy to help advise. Best wishes, and thanks so much for the support and encouragement - Joel

[@salviabuckwheats7434]

So glad I found you! Greetings from the fabulous state of Indiana, The Midwest, USA! Great video and by that I mean, not too slow, not too fast, no monotones, no wild gestering, no UMs, and you are relaxed without wasting time. Thanks! I am going to do all this stuff - ALL OF IT, and I am wondering how I can collect my tiny dogs' hairs.... Anyway I look forward to seeing your other videos and I hope dearly and fervently that when you give plant selections you tell people use those NATVE TO YOUR AREA. From your knowledge here, I bet you do know how important that it for everyone from bugs on up. Finally, it is shocking but strangely comforting to hear that somewhere on our great planet, Starlings and English sparrows are not wreaking absolute havok. Also Engilsh Ivy!!! Do NOT get me started on that awful stuff which should be outlawed here. Next you will say plant privet and autumn olive (but please not japanese honeysuckle-bain of my existence!!). Oh what a big planet we live on, yet too small for all us people. ANYWAY, GO BIRDS. That's why I love bugs. Thanks again for the video and for loving hawks too. And let's all drink a toast to bats! Wonderful mammal creatures, wonderful pollinators and bug-eaters. That's why I love bats. That and they are as cute as anyone else, including Eastern bluebirds.

[@rosethorne9076]

Hi Joel. Great video (as always). I already collect nesting material in an old feeder. Have been doing it for years and it's great to see bird's using it. I've not had so much luck with nesting boxes, but I will try again. 🤞 I didn't know you had 3 dogs so seeing Siri is just fab. Such a handsome boy. 💙 Take care.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Rose, I really appreciate this. Yes, I've been doing this for a good few years now, after watching the birds come down after brushing Sirius in the garden. Sometimes it takes a little while for the birds to feel "safe" when discovering boxes and they will watch them from a distance before deciding. Don't give up yet, they'll be grateful for the nesting material in the meantime :) Best wishes, Joel

[@maureendickie5571]

I think shorter videos are also superb, 15-20 minutes, and maybe easier for you to incorporate into your schedule?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Maureen, thank you. I'm trying to find a happy medium, so much footage taken and videos ready to edit but they can take 4-5 hours for each one and when working from home and only back at the weekends, it's difficult. But I've been trying shorts lately and they seem to be received well, another longer video for this Sunday though :) Hope you have a great weekend, Joel

[@nannylinda03]

I've only just found you on KZbin (I know - shame on me!) but I'm binge watching as many as I can and loving them. I only have a small garden (30' long and 10' wide) but I have managed to put in 5 trees (lilac, mountain ash, bramley apple, cherry, a 5' chrstmas tree that was just a twig 8 years ago and there's a cordyline which is about 20' and was in the garden when I moved in) The robins are actually nesting in the cordyline this year. You were talking about sparrowhawks taking smaller garden birds. A few weeks ago I was in the garden and a sparrowhawk came out of nowhere and took a collared dove. It landed in my neighbours garden and then flew off with it. It was amazing and horrifying in equal measure! On the subject of video length.......the longer the better as far as I'm concerned 🙂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Rosie :) Welcome to the channel - there is a wonderful community here and I'm glad you're part of it :) Not sure you will have seen more recent videos but do see my own front garden which I've made "formal" for neighbours and passersby to encourage them to think about wildlife in their own gardens. If the Robins like the Cordyline and it's keeping them safe, that's great. The buddleja in my back garden was allowed to do it's think due to the sparrow hawk dive-bombing the birds and ending up crashing into the french doors - a pergola was needed to support the buddleja as my neighbour kept hacking at it - but it keeps the sparrows safe. Have a great weekend, I'm going to be planting up my front garden pond, and I can't wait :) Best wishes, and thank you for the support and encouragement - Joel

[@fiona12451]

Great idea to stuff straw, dog hair in a bird feeder for nest material..Will definitely give that a go Brilliant video, full of reminders for us all..Thank you! Nice to meet Siri, he's beautiful!😊🐾🐾

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Phiona - he's featured in a few videos before, showing his age now but he's lost no enthusiasm :) PLEASE, as others have pointed out, and as I should have done too, ensure that there has been no flea treatment used on the dog or cat (!) within a few months as this can prove detrimental. We only ever add cooked garlic to the dog food (they love it) when summer (and fleas/ticks) approaches and it really does work :) I really appreciate your kind words and support - thank you and best wishes, Joel

[@MarkMichalowski]

Those eyes are remarkable , aren't they? Siri's I mean - although I'm sure yours are just as beautiful, Fiona :) Joel, does Siri have heterochromia (different coloured eyes) or was it just the camera angle?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@MarkMichalowski Hey Mark, Sirius has one blue and one brown, that'll be the Malamute in him no doubt :)

[@MarkMichalowski]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks, Joel! Glad I wasn't hallucinating. All you need now is a cat called "Alexa" and a rabbit called "Hey, Google!" and you'll have the complete set.

[@RealBradMiller]

I put my hair and beard cuttings under my bird feeder and the birds always come and take it. Also the old coco coir hanging plant holders, pinestraw, balled up dried grasses, get shoved into suet feeders, and they pull from that, too.

[@george-1961]

Loved the wild woodland area Joel. Also can’t wait for that video and the front garden project. Clearly more needs to be done in my garden. Number 1 being the pond.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Don't you strain your back - I have a plan. Hang in there because you're already on my list for a visit ;) You're doing so much already George and your garden has improved so much for wildlife. Prepare to be interviewed! ;) Catch up real soon, Joel

[@joemyers5302]

I've heard dog fur isn't always recommended for bird nesting material as the chemical for flea treatment isn't good for them. I'm not sure if this is just the stuff you apply to the fur (spot on) or if the tablets can come out through the fur too?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Joe, you're right - fortunately I've never used "spot-on" or similar, or indeed tablets - my dogs have been pretty lucky in not having any infestations and throughout the summer we add cooked garlic to the food once a week, this seems to deter or work :) But you're absolutely right about these chemicals leeching into river systems and causing all sorts of awful stuff :/ Best wishes - Joel

[@dcb_trains]

Love the videos, 20 mins is a idea video length I think. Taken so many tips for my own garden

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - I'm so glad the channel is helping people to create more and more habitat in their own gardens and green spaces. I really appreciate the support and kind words too, it does encourage me to do more :) Best wishes - Joel

[@merlekilby6043]

Hi just found your channel. I'm going to really enjoy your videos 🙂 so I'll have a binge watch.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Merle, you've made my weekend 😁 Thanks ever so much, I hope you enjoy it - we have a great little community here that is growing by the day - best wishes, Joel

[@sandraconner6968]

My thinking for many years is to.stopmfeeding the birds when spring comes so that the birds seek out insects in my garden! I have leaf mold covering the garden beds and paths where the birds forage for worms and insects. Am I wrong?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Sandra! You are NOT wrong. The BEST food in spring would be for birds to find these vital insects to take back as a moisture source for their young, something that dry food cannot replicate and of course birds don't "carry" water back to chicks in their beaks. So, yes, you are right and the best way to do this is as you have proven, habitat, cover and insect loving plants. Blackbirds in particular love foraging in leaf litter. I do hope the message continues to reach people that the right habitat set up means only supplementary food is required in winter. Best wishes, Joel

[@CyberCatPhoto]

Sparrowhawks are the very strict fitness instructors in my garden, they provide the daily training for all the other birds. :-) They try to hunt on an almost daily basis here but succeed only a couple of times a year. They are very much needed in nature. I was surprised though when I saw the female attack 4 adult collar doves on the ground feeder, those are quite a good size prey especially in groups.

[@mkats5102]

Great video. Videos about 20-25mins are fine with me!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - noted :) Glad you enjoyed it :) Best wishes, Joel

[@carolinebarton6326]

Hi I have bird box but some time I get black bird a robin but they perfect next door plus have cat he old one 18 this year , and got brush like which hazel Ace brush all together and pond

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Caroline, cats can indeed be a problem but hopefully too much effort for an 18 year old ;) Great that you have a pond, a vital habitat for so many creatures. Best wishes, Joel

[@nicola.p]

We have sparrows nesting in next doors bushes, we also get a Sparrowhawk who just jumps into the bush for a help youself breakfast buffet. But the sparrows carry on nesting there and there are always plenty of them, so it seems to work for both predator and prey.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fantastic Nicola, really pleased to hear this. One of the reasons I have a pergola "against" a buddleja is to thwart the sparrow hawk a little - he used to crash straight into the french doors to get to the sparrows hiding in there, so at least he has to slam on the "brakes" before he reaches the doors now! Thank you, and best wishes - Joel

[@headspacehiker]

Simple and attainable tips, as I've not had luck getting the local birds to stick around my place. New subscriber now going for results, thanks for the vids!

[@beckyscheller9358]

I have robins that nest on the elbow of my gutter every year. It is fun to watch them raise there brood. Fortunate to live in the countryside with 2 acres of land lots of trees and shrubs( across the pond middle of the USA).

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I love the American Robins, you lucky lady! You're obviously doing the right thing and being rewarded for how you manage those acres and trees. Thanks for doing your bit, you're making a difference :) Best wishes, Joel

[@SisterDogmata]

Hey Joel! Reckon you'll have to live to be at least 200 to get through you're to do list! Great video tonight, loads of info which no doubt we are all grateful for. Lovely to see your furry friend bet he's had the best life an no doubt still being spoiled by the family. Noticed a lot more birds in the garden since putting in the pond and getting some wild plants in. The finches have loved the teasel seeds throughout the winter. I don't really mind how long the videos. I often watch in two halves if they're long ones or I'm busy. Nice to go back and watch an old video if there's some info I want when planning to do something in the garden. Hope you had a great weekend! Best wishes.

[@nickbowes2627]

just subscribed, awsome videos 20 mins would be just nice bite sized vids.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Nick, thanks so much for this - sorry for the delay in acknowledging you as so many comments over so many videos lately, but I want to ensure I answer everyone. I really appreciate the subscription and support - welcome to our wonderful community here, it's great to have you as part of it :) Very best wishes, Joel

[@lyndapierce2333]

Love all this information,thank you and well done👋🥰👋

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're so very welcome Lynda, I'm really pleased this was helpful - I hope you enjoy the channel, we have a wonderful community here and the message of considering wildlife when gardening is increasing each day :) Best wishes, and thank you for the support - Joel

[@ajj7682]

I love to tinker in the garden as the season change new ideas and landscapes pop into my head. My work life balance is certainly swayed to nature these day,so it's win win !

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely! It's so therapeutic. Keep winning :) Best wishes, Joel

[@LolaMarigold]

I live on a woodland edge. I've been feeding the birds for years. Our winters are long, cold and snowy so it's a real help for them. This winter our sharp shins didn't migrate, probably due to good Autumn/early winter weather and the buffet out back. I love hawks but It is heart breaking to see and hear the jays and starlings being grabbed. ( I prefer they take their catch far away. ) Sadly I witnessed quite a few this Winter. The birds have become wary so this season we haven't seen many song birds. They come in a flurry and leave as fast. I took down any window feeders so as not to make them more vulnerable. Right now I am looking at a female sharpie sitting above a feeder. Because of the lack of birds, a lot of food has been eaten up by squirrels. Our squirrels are the size of chipmunks. We now have 9 out back. Good food, good breeding. I am really hoping the female hawks move further into the forest for the summer. (the smaller males are only a nuisance to jays and starlings) BTW I go through huge amounts of home made suet. The starlings indeed LOVE it. They don't stick around long though. I always try and educate people on the size of food during nesting time. I buy large bags of dried dog food and moisten it with hot water to make it soft. It's what I feed our crows all year round.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So wonderful to read this Lola, thank you. It's so nice to hear what's going on in other parts of the world, and I'm very grateful for you being part of this great little community we have here :) Best wishes, Joel

[@emilysandstrom2476]

My four Great Pyrenees contribute barrels full of nest material to all the birds.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I can imagine that Emily :) The Patou as they're known in France, and what magnificent dogs they are. Best wishes, Joel

[@marthaschermann5562]

I have 11 different bird feeders and get on average 30 goldfinches, cardinals, robins and a yellow rumped warbler. Just started getting the planting beds going with wildflowers and will be putting in some type of water source, other than a bird bath which I currently have. Love all that you show us. Keep up the inspiration.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Martha, way to make me envious! Yellow Rumped Warbler... wow :) You're clearly being rewarded for making your garden such an inviting habitat, and thank you for your support and encouragement, it really helps me keep going :) Best wishes, Joel

[@semperbufo152]

Very good video.Very interesting and informative and I like your style,nice bloke.Thankyou.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, I really do appreciate you taking the time, it means a lot and the encouragement really helps. Welcome to the channel, we have a great community here :) Best wishes, Joel

[@philipbyerleyjohnson5106]

Hello, My favourite length of a video was between about 5 and 20 minutes, so that it could be put in a play list with other videos that fitted into a same or similar category. Videos of 1 hour or more, might be a science study but also might lose Someone’s attention, Kind regards, Philip B Johnson

[@judithhope8970]

Do you have to donate untreated fur to nests. I know dog flea treatments are bad for hedgehogs so would they affect birds? Just a thought?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Always untreated, my dogs are never treated with any off-the-shelf flea treatments or any other means - crushed cooked garlic in food every couple of days only if we suspect anything and it's worked for us for years - not just for the birds but it's well known now that chemical flea treatments on dogs/cats end up in rivers - there was a published study by University of Sussex a few years ago - and this from the Guardian in 2020: "Highly toxic insecticides used on cats and dogs to kill fleas are poisoning rivers across England, a study has revealed." Even if dogs aren't entering rivers, it's when owners wash their hands after applying treatment that is causing the highly toxic ingredients to end up in rivers too :/ our wildlife has so much to face to survive these days. Best wishes - Joel

[@judithhope8970]

Wow, I didn't realise it was that bad! I don't have dogs any more, sadly, but we would have been guilty at the time. I had trouble getting my dogs out of the river! Maybe this should be more widely known.

[@KnowNaturenow]

Thanks for the video Joel, I’ve started doing this ready for spring as it’s a fun little task to get done!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

This is great Sam, so glad to know that you're also helping our much declining birds. You'll certainly be rewarded for your efforts - hope you've had a good weekend, best wishes - Joel

[@annashiegl]

I have house sparrows in my nest boxes, and starlings demolish the fat balls in no time 😅there's a village near me which has starlings murmurations at around 5pm, people stop to video them, as it's spectacular, mind you the houses and cars are white 😅 I've got a blue tit box up, but I don't seem to get many in the garden anymore,and I never see house Martin's around either 😢

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That's so good to hear about the sparrows and starlings, I've not seen a murmuration in a while so I'll have to check to see where any local ones to me might be. House Martins, I see less too, my first few actually nest building in northern France last week, but it made me think again about our obsession with tidiness, still seeing CDs tied to fascia and window reveals to deter them. UPVC does them no favours as there is nothing "rough" for them to stick mud to successfully. It's the lack of insects too I'm afraid, in the interview with Chris Baines on the channel we speak about this. I hope you see some again soon and that the blue tits continue to visit, best wishes - Joel

[@annashiegl]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I didn't know that about upvc but it makes total sense 😔

[@ellenachavez6492]

Beautiful dog

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Ellena :)

[@debbiehenri345]

Ideal video length: approx 15-30 minutes works best for me. I'm not sure how many bird species still visit my garden now. When I first moved to my property 2 decades ago, I recorded 46 species over a 2 year period. (Then we had 2 wickedly cold winters at -20C, the Neonicotinoid era, and some thoughtless neighbours bought peacocks - which instantly went on the rampage and killed lots of small birds. Thank goodness for foxes with discerning tastes). I think we're down to about a dozen species of bird now. However, I help what birds I have left (including a regular nesting pair of song thrushes) by continuing to plant an increasing range of interesting berry and fruit trees and bushes (my garden is a combined permaculture and wildlife project). I'm lucky in that I was a professional gardener some years back and still a keen home gardener now, so I'd learned lots of propagating techniques, which enables me to add hundreds of new plants for free every year. Most birds seem to love feasting on the 'red' raspberries and red/white currants more than anything else in the garden. I find they only start eating other fruit once these particular plants run dry (and since I've now bought a wide range of raspberry hybrids that cover the entire summer right up to the first frost, they are rarely without their favourite food. I've planted the furthest corner of the garden with raspberries specifically for the birds and don't go near them when they ripen. There are also several brash heaps and a small section of brash hedge in that part of the garden, so plenty of cover. Not much 'permanent' water there, now I come to think of it. There's a spring, but it quickly dries up after rainfall. Going to have to work out a way of capturing some of the water in a permanent pool.

[@patrapper7367]

Video starts at 1:38

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

Great advice as always. I think you have your videos just right Joel. I really enjoy them all, but I'm fascinated by learning all I can about wildlife gardening. The interviews being longer works as there's so much to discuss. I feel you have them just right as a mix. The sparrowhawk is still visiting my garden, it's stunning and we've managed to photograph it. We've witnessed it predating a sparrow and a starling. I have a robin nesting in ivy climbing my fence, a robin nesting in the ivy in my neighbour's pear tree and a wren has used a tit box but I think the female wasn't so impressed it looks like one of the ones rejected as wrens can do. We had a successful wren nest in a robin box last year. Lots of activity in the garden considering how awful the weather is at the moment, its certainly not putting the birds off. Can't wait to see your own garden development ideas. Take care.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Tracey - getting through all the comments slowly, am determined no one is ignored! I also managed to grab 5 mins and see your latest upload from the shed, the amount of birds in your garden is testimony to you getting it right :) Had a Jay (one of a pair seen) visit the garden yesterday, can't wait to show you guys - one of the old broken oak branches I put in the woodland garden has splits, I jammed whole peanuts in as hard as I could so that the sparrows had to work to get them in pieces, but the jay turned up and was taking them - 14 in one go! He takes 13 into the crop and carries the 14th one off in his beak. Lots of subsequent burying no doubt :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Fabulous Joel. You take care.

[@moniquelanglois2572]

Any suggestion for bird feeders that can't be chewed by squirrels? They do such dammage that birds can't access the food. I have tried several types without success. Love your videos. Greetings from Québec (Canada).

[@hotelsierra86]

Have two ponds which attracted mallard last year resulting in an infestation of duckweed. Any remedy for duckweed? Also have had to discontinue ground feeding birds due to an influx of rats.(which ate the pcb of my lawn tractor,costing me £350).

[@janiceallan2981]

Good Morning Joel Just came across your video. Brilliant stuff! I live in a built up area. I have a birdfeeder that I put out a few months ago but haven't attracted any birds. Do you have any suggestions please? Thank you Janice

[@gavt1198]

Is there a way of preventing mess under the bird feeder? I have a raft of birds visiting but the sparrows are fussy eaters here. They throw 2/3 of the mix I currently use

[@janiedunn637]

I watched this on Sunday night but forgot to make a comment. I’ve been collecting long hairs of mine from my different hairbrushes for the birds. I remember 30 odd years ago brushing the family’s German Shepherd & the birds just flocked down near me for Zekes hair. Starlings, blackbirds, house sparrows & magpies. Just great memories & a 👍🏻 video from Joel. Thanks

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Wonderful memories Janie, thanks for sharing this. I really do appreciate your continued support and encouragement, comments like yours certainly keep me going :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@danmi6099]

Could you do some more videos for beginners on birds, pitching that we don’t know birds and have zero clue what we are doing, I know we have blackbirds and about five or six different small things (birds!) so we can learn how to know what bird boxes would be best for each bird, we have just built some boxes from your videos but there is lots we don’t understand at a real basic level Like how important different sizes holes are, we couldn’t get them the correct size. Swift / swallow boxes? Which are good and where they need to go. How many, what even is a swift! 😂 Both lengths is good, a deep dive lesson is great which would be longer and also the smaller videos. They are all amazing ❤ Oh a 101 of how to build cover and food quickly would be a great video too, like we’ve planted trees etc but starting from grass we will be waiting another fair few years until they cover anything. If there are ideas to help while you are waiting for the plants to grow that would be great

[@jamesalanstephensmith7930]

Nice! 15-20 min, longer gets tedious and then they go on and on about kids, personal stuff, music, politics etc

[@tonileigh8660]

My comment may be unpopular, but here it is. Birds are smart. They will learn from something being repeated. I don't encourage any birds of prey of any kind in my garden. Ever. I have squirrels, small birds, chipmunks and baby rabbits here. I had a hawk come one time and I used a water gun to scare it away. When it came back a few more times, I did it again. It eventually learned to go elsewhere. I understand hawks, owls, etc. need to eat. They just aren't using my garden as their all you can eat buffet. Plenty of open land surrounding my property for them to feed in. My garden is a safe area for smaller birds and 4 legged critters.

[@jowhitnell5797]

hi, just found your channel. I live in a small seaside town and have sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, blue tits, robins and magpies coming into my garden. being close to the sea can I expect to get finches?

[@juliacheetham6854]

Morning Joel Love your videos . I have fed birds in my garden for years but have an increasing problem with rats digging tunnels and feasting on the fallen bird food. Any suggestions? Maybe I should increase natural resources like shrubs with berries.

[@annashiegl]

I can watch any length video, and look forward to your fence climbers etc video

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Anna :) I am not sure if you have seen the recent video about my front garden and the plans, but I will ensure I speak about the climbers during the updates too, and will try to do a specific video on climbers very soon - best wishes, Joel

[@annashiegl]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton yes I watched it, its coming along nicely, and I love the insect hotel. 😍

[@garethsmith6998]

A fantastic video ! We have a great array of birds in our garden and all your points are so important to follow .We also have a resident pair of sparrowhawks, we have actually seen them both catch starlings and we even saw the female catch a jackdaw and a pigeon , an incredible sight . Sparrowhawks are truly stunning . We love all our birds ,they all have different characters and food preferences.. Our starlings absolutely love homemade fat balls that have all the kitchen scraps in them ! The tits all love the nuts . Our crows enjoy the bits of meat we put out and the rooks love the ground seed. The sparrows love the feeders .And the boss of our garden is our robin, he is full of it and often throwing his weight around and loves mealworms!

[@poppies1215]

Thank you for the educational pointers. I already have most in place where I live. As for video length half an hour is a good marker depending on what topic you are covering. Keep up the great work and love for natural surroundings.🌻🦋🍀

[@mandyboyd64]

Hi Joel Only just found your channel but love it! Any chance you could do a video asap about where and how to site nest boxes? Thanks, Mandy

[@sandratogneri9982]

I don't feed the Birds anymore as it attracts rats & plus I had more lately than Normal with just Natural plants & they will eat these .....I left the dandelions ....for the Bees as it's one of their first food & only this morning I had three birds I 've never had before feeding of them ..... Maybe that's why we should not feed them .... let them feed Naturally XXX

[@MrDaiseymay]

Hello Joel, I'm new here. Last Autumn, I bought two Bird feeder's, one with a bottem tray feeder and one with open wire mesh for birds who like clinging on while feeding. Using a general mix of seed for most garden Birds, I was only able to hang them about 7 feet high , 8 ft apart , and 15 feet from my Kitchen window. Apart from one visitor, I've never seen ANY birds show interest. Not even when I was tucked up in bed at first light, because the seed levels have not changed. I later hung the feeders on the opposite ends of my Circular washing line, that is now redundant. It would hardly move because all the wires and arms are tied up. SO--I started to scatter the seed around the garden, and very soon many visitors came, mostly Pigeons, Magpies, and Blackbirds. OH--and Squirrels, followed by Rats. So I stopped the feeding. Your opinion and advice, Please . Phil Croft Somerset.

[@yogigardener5219]

I've just ordered a double bird nest box for house Martins and a more shallow bird bath than I already have.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fantastic - thank you, they're (if you haven't guessed!) my favourite bird :) Thanks for thinking of them and providing vital water for the other birds too. Best wishes, Joel

[@lisaroberts8135]

20-30 mins I reckon is ideal !!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Lisa :) Hope you're enjoying the channel - best wishes, Joel

[@davidcobb8422]

Hi Joel another great information video must amit the Bird's love your bird seed mix & fat balls highly recommended....

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you David, I really appreciate you shopping with us and all the support and encouragement you've shown me over these last 2 years. Hopefully soon there will be an uploaded video of your garden too :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@davidcobb8422]

No problem Joel just waiting for my yellow rattle to be delivered now.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@davidcobb8422 I'm waiting on those precious pond plants to wake up from their dormancy! ;) A fair few ponds created already this year and I need to go back and get plants in. Not long to go. Speak soon, Joel

[@josephineholohan7350]

I’m happy to like and subscribe, thank you for the advice

[@TheMeegsLV]

I've been asked to take my feeders down due to rats. They have been seen climbing up the feeding poles and eating from the feeders.. Any ideas how to keep rats away?

[@woodworks2123]

Good video Joel. Thank you for your dedication to the cause. I've had an allotment I've been slowly building more and more each year. This springs big building tasks is to attract as much wildlife as possible so with much of your tuition on past videos, I am about to build a wildlife pond, a honeycomb bug and bird box wall with hexagon boxes and a mix of bug wall materials, bird boxes and bee and butterfly flowering plants mixed in between, more pollinator plants in amongst the veg and many bird feeders spread all over the plot and if I get any more spare time I might even get some veg In the raised beds.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you for your encouragement and support, it means a lot. It's also wonderful to read your comment and see how much you are doing already. You will be rewarded many times over for all this effort, do keep me updated on what visits. If you want any liner/fleece/pond plants and some free advice, then do see www.wildyourgarden.com or drop us a line at [e-mail] if you get stuck at all and I'll be happy to help/advise :) Hope you had a fab weekend - best wishes, and thanks again, Joel

[@woodworks2123]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton perfect, I'll check it out and yeah I'll prob have a couple questions. Will definitely keep you updated. I'm in Dundee, the last couple years I've started seeing birds here I've never seen here before or recognise. I'll have to get studying what they are. Perhaps a result of the warming weather over the last few years.

[@ted149]

4-6 minutes is a good length for a video. Maybe do some short vids as well as the 20-30 minute ones.

[@andrewcowman8731]

I have too many Cockatoos who chase the smaller birds off, ruin the small bird feeders & I hate. What can I do to get tid of them??

[@gardeneroflight]

Yep. When the birds go suddenly silent .... my gaze goes immediately skyward! Keep up the awesome work!

[@dawnkilbane4945]

I've got a front garden on a busy road so can't really put bird nest boxing up,have put plenty off hanging feederd out

[@y0nd3r]

But crows like whole peanuts? I'm trying to attract crows to my yard to chase the cats away.

[@risenshine2783]

What birds where I live really love is live mealworms, fledglings need live food dont they

[@notsoyummymummy8771]

Is the coconut lining from hanging baskets ok to put in the suet feeder ive noticed some pulling on my hanging basket

[@jamesdigby6072]

Really like these type of videos. Would love to see more of your own garden. In terms of video length it depends what the video is but around 15 minutes is best for me.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you James, this is great. It's sometimes difficult as I never have scripts prepared and then when I'm out and about, or at a client's and see something I should share with you all I take the opportunity then. Hopefully now I have my own front and back garden to improve it'll be easier to do updates every few weeks on their progress and show how others can do the same. Really appreciate your support - best wishes, Joel

[@Radagast-]

There's a relatively small evergreen clematis (Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens aka 'Freckles'), which flowers in winter and produces a ton of seed heads come the spring. Starlings and sparrows are especially keen on it for nesting material.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - I'm not too au fait with Clematis, apart from Old Man's Beard of course :) However, I've just read a bit about it and it does indeed do what you say, I may have to include one of these in the back garden - thanks so much for letting me know about this one, this community on here is brilliant :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Radagast-]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I can vouch for it - I have one scrambling through a red may in my back garden!

[@someblokecalleddave1]

No chance where I live, the place is infested with cats. The extent they go to kill all the birds is mental and yet you know their owners would claim to be animal lovers.

[@mastridesterry6608]

I’m living in Greece but I can find it that food for wild birds

[@merrim7765]

Joel, How do you keep wasp nests out of your bird boxes?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, there is no reasonable way I'm afraid. They don't do this often and I am yet to see this in person, but there are scare-stories from pest control companies of course! I know that they won't disturb a bird that is already nesting or on chicks but they will utilise an empty box if there is no other suitable habitat - another reason that us destroying so much habitat has it's consequences. Best wishes, Joel

[@merrim7765]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you! That makes sense. Mine were empty.

[@Alexander-rq9he]

Tip number 1 should be don’t let your stupid cats out!

[@zohajabeen5488]

Great sharing 👌👌👌👌👌

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Zoha, I really appreciate that :) Best wishes, Joel

[@dannyhogi4953]

Am new to your channel I like the wild bird stuff

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Danny, welcome to the channel :) I hope you find other videos of interest, we have a great little community here - best wishes, Joel

[@dannyhogi4953]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton sure I will am new to feeding birds in my garden hope you do more videos bout them that can help me choose what foods best and cleaning the feeders ect and more trying to work out what birds they are at the moment thanks

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Gat advice Joel thanks Joel, and love Siri.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much. Yes, I am not sure how he's nearly 15 and as long as he wants to keep on going, I'll be right behind him :) Best wishes - Joel

[@samanthamacfarlane5528]

I'd happily watch you talk for hours, I love your videos. 20-30 minutes does work well though - I watch when I'm cooking, ironing, doing the dishes etc. We moved in to our first home last summer, and the whole side wall is covered in bird boxes. We also have boxes built in to the rafters which I think is incredible. We get a lot of sparrows, starlings and last summer had swifts nest in the rafter boxes! It was wonderful watching the babies learning to fly - a loop above the gardens and back. It's also great seeing what you can do in a terrace (our situation too), showing you don't need acres of space. We're trying to re-build the garden and make it as wildlife, child and dog friendly as possible. Very pleased to say I'm doing most of what you've suggested already (just got to get the honeysuckle to start growing up the garage wall!). Off to check out the shrubs video! Keep up the good work.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to read this Samantha, thank you. Your garden sounds an absolute haven already and you're clearly being rewarded for all your efforts and thought :) Very well done and I'm so glad that you're enjoying the channel, we have a great little community here and I'm glad you're part of it. Best wishes, and thanks for all the support - Joel

[@Warwck24]

I didn't know about sparrows n starlings thx

[@pegm2293]

Too long winded just make your points mate

[@lookforward2life]

You could do short ones and long ones. Classify them differently maybe. Deep dive vs the basics kind of thing. Regardless, I always wish there were more.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much for this, I really appreciate it. They take such a long time to edit and upload that more than two a week during busy work periods (and working away a lot) means that I'm "stuck" to 2 a week now, but I hope to improve this as I have about 400 hours of footage to edit and get out to you guys :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Red_E_Read]

Hopefully and based on 26/3/23 activity, it is looking like we will have Tobin and Blue Tit pair nesting in our garden this year. 🤞🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fantastic to hear Kelvin, so pleased for you (and the birds!) - you're certainly being rewarded and it's amazing how quickly they can find the boxes if the surrounding cover is right for them. Let me know how they do. Best wishes - Joel

[@dianahoward9738]

Really enjoyed this video thanks Joel!

[@RM-li9ty]

Hi Joel thanks for all the tips. Silly question, you mentioned climbers as cover along fence panels, I only really get the sun at the end of my garden where there is some hawthorn or the like growing behind and so my plan to put trees there for bird cover means blocking out what little sunlight I have in the garden. If I were to grow a climber against the fence panel to give cover, would this eventually weaken an already flimsy wood panel? It’s a new build garden with very little space and is really exposed to a lot of salty coastal wind. Any recommendations would be much appreciated 👍🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello there - you're very welcome, it might be best to send a few photos to me so I can see what will "hold" and the fence panels - mine are against fence panels and do fine, but I'd rather see before I advise :) You can reach me on [e-mail] - best wishes, Joel

[@brownfamily3218]

Hi Joel. I've had the swift box moved from the side of the house and put round the front. It's been up for three years with no luck. I've sent you a photo of what we found in the box when it was taken down. I think it might have had something to do with the house sparrow that sits on the corner of the roof and sings his little heart out. Not sure he has been successful as we don't get sparrows in the garden generally. We also had a second swift box put up. A couple of weeks ago we found part of garden covered in pigeon feathers. Our local sparrowhawk I think the culprits was. I think the fox would have just taken it away whole.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Karen, I've been working away but I will have a look at the email asap, and respond, thank you. You're right re the sparrow hawk, a fox will certainly leave nothing behind. House sparrows can indeed be a problem for swifts when they "turf them out" - I had this with my house martins unfortunately. Don't give up, your garden is an absolute haven for so much wildlife, and I hope you're rewarded further :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@Jacksonknox834]

Joel your video's are great!! you make them as long as you can,it's an important subject,one thing I would like to see and forgive me if you have already made a video on this but one on compost heaps and the benefits, I have one but get really confused on what to put in it,and how to maintain it. Looking forward to all your new content.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Jackson, thanks so much for the encouragement and support, I really do appreciate it. No, I've not made a video on compost heaps yet but they are vital, when I am filming the regular updates on the back garden I will include this. In fact, I've just made a note on my phone to do this so I don't forget! Thank you again and best wishes, Joel

[@LizMcNamara47]

Those magpies can be real bullies tho!

[@BeazersBees]

Great vid as always…..always humble, always informative. Keep it simple. Keep it sweet. Well done.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Bob - I hope to feature your fantastic garden when I can get to see you, it's an absolute showcase and I know everyone would love to see how rewarded you are for your efforts :) I really appreciate the support, best wishes - Joel

[@louiselund2419]

thanks for another great video. the length of a video is more about what it is about, a plant is fine with 5-10, is it with more advice like this 10-30, others work best if it is 1-2 hour. I watch them when it suits me. I also pause if I don't have time to watch it all at once. sometimes I wait to see them until several weeks later, if it is something that is not seasonal/something where I lack knowledge now. so to make a long story short, the length is not the most important thing, but the content. i'm sorry my english is not better it's my second language and unfortunately i'm dyslexic

[@MarkMichalowski]

Your English is pretty much perfect, Louise - I know many native English speakers whose English isn't as good as yours!

[@louiselund2419]

@@MarkMichalowski thank you so much 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Louise, and I agree with Mark, what you've written is absolutely understandable :) I really appreciate you letting me know and for the encouragement and input, it means a lot. That's the beauty of KZbin, you can pause and come back when you are ready and, like you say, if it's a longer interview or similar then they can be watched in suitable chunks. Where are you based? I'm always interested to know how far the videos reach across the world :) Best wishes, and thank you again - Joel

[@louiselund2419]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks, I am from Denmark. So not that fare away

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@louiselund2419 So good to hear this Louise, glad the channel has reached you, welcome to the community here and thank you again for your contribution - I *think* the video tonight is around 30 minutes ;) Best wishes, Joel

[@EnglishMadeleine]

Eagerly waiting for the update on your garden - front and back! 😚 For me, videos around 20 minutes are best, it’s the longest I ever get to sit down 😂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Haha! That made me laugh Madeleine, the only time I seem to sit down is to edit and upload videos lately! But thank you, I really appreciate the support and am filming every aspect of both front and back gardens and hope to do updates every 2 weeks on how they develop and how others can implement in their own spaces :) Best wishes, Joel

[@suzannebramble6564]

I agree with @gregf9160 - I could watch you for a loooonnng time! You are a great communicator and very inspirational. I prefer longer videos, at least 30 minutes. Thanks for the video (as always). I am waiting for TV to discover you - a programme where you go in and make gardens more wildlife friendly would be amazing. sadly, I know you probably don't have tome though.